Kristu Mahotsav 2023

Kristu Mahotsav 2023

“A Festival of Christian Charity”

Inter-Religious & Ecumenical Christmas Celebration

16 December 2023 | DCC Hall, Delhi

Organised by Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi

On 16th December 2023, the Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi organized Kristu Mahotsav 2023 at the DCC Hall, celebrating Christmas under the inspiring theme “Include Everyone, Exclude None.” The event brought together leaders of various faiths, dignitaries, children, and members of civil society to promote peace, harmony, and inclusive celebration through inter-religious dialogue and cultural interaction.

The programme began with a serene rendition of “Silent Night, Holy Night,” creating a reflective atmosphere. Dr. Fr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, delivered the welcome address, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to fostering unity in diversity. The celebration was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, who delivered a Christmas message emphasizing love and compassion, and Rev. Fr. Martin Mallath CMI, who reflected on the universal relevance of the message of Christ. Interfaith prayers were offered by representatives from the Parsi Zoroastrian community, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, and the Baha’i Faith, symbolizing collective hope and shared humanity.

A moving highlight of the evening was the series of cultural performances by differently-abled children from institutions such as Anand Training Center, Angel Special School, Jandara Welfare Center, Sanjapuram Children’s Village, Prerna Social Service Society, St. Thomas Hope School, Holy Family Ashim Nas, CEVA, Deepti Foundation, and Deepti Ashram. Their joyful participation beautifully embodied the theme of inclusion. 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Fr. Joy Puthussery CMI, superior of CMI Bhavan Delhi., expressing heartfelt appreciation to all dignitaries, religious leaders, performers, volunteers, and organizers who contributed to the grand success of Kristu Mahotsav 2023. The celebration once again stood as a powerful testimony to the Chavara Cultural Centre’s mission of building bridges of understanding and celebrating Christmas as a festival of universal peace and fraternity.